In a statement, Brazil's Environment Ministry described Japan's move as "a great regression in the global scenario" and highlighted that the decision disregards the stance of the majority of countries.

Japan announced earlier its decision to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission (IWC), the watchdog in charge of preserving whales, and to resume commercial whaling by next July. The move has been criticized by countries such as Australia.

"Brazil has historically postulated for the defense of all forms of life in the seas of the planet, especially cetaceans, which have many species under risk of extinction," said the ministry.

"We have much to advance and only through the integrated action of IWC member countries can we succeed in protecting these species and other related agendas, such as tackling issues like sea pollution and global warming," it said.

The ministry said that Brazil works hard to protect whales and other sea animals off its coast and has managed to increase sea conservation areas significantly.